Caroline, We weren't thinking about using the asterisk to indicate the optional fields - we were considering either having the big "(Optional)" after the legend or maybe an alternate icon (I was leaning against that because who knows what an 'field optional' icon looks like?).
My concern is that if 9 out of 10 items are required, then those 9 red asterisks create more noise in the form. I would rather try to call out the ONE field which isn't required but necessary to include, such as Apt # or Suite #. Make sense? -----Original Message----- From: Caroline Jarrett [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 1:15 PM To: Marty DeAngelo; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] Marking Required vs. Optional form fields > After reading Luke Wroblewski's book, > "Web Form Design: Filling In the Blanks", > I have to agree with his sentiment about > indicating the MINORITY of the form elements: This is one of very few (and possibly, the only) point where I disagree with Luke. And perhaps, I don't even completely disagree. My experience has been that very few users pay any attention to the required field markers. Those who do tend to be highly internet-savvy, and they also tend to look first of all to see where the asterisks are. best, Caroline Jarrett ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
